The Sulawesi lake systems are home to Sulawesi shrimp. The shrimp have adapted to the extreme conditions of the lake. These conditions include basic water and nutrient deficiency.
Sulawesi shrimp are rare yet popular in the aquarium industry. Their vibrant colors make them one of the aquarium industry’s most popular shrimp. Their rareness makes them expensive.
Due to the unique conditions these shrimp live in, they are difficult to care for. There are better options for beginning shrimp keepers. Potential keepers should only buy these shrimp if they have had shrimp before. Having experience with cichlids is helpful too since they have similar water requirements.
Keep reading to learn the specific care requirements of Sulawesi shrimp. We will cover what they need for a tank, decorations, substrate, and lighting. More importantly, we will cover their water requirements and what they eat.
For a more concise care guide, check out the table below.
What Are Sulawesi Shrimp?
Sulawesi shrimp live in the profoundly unique waters of the Sulawesi lake system. These waters are extremely basic. Sulawesi shrimp cannot live in the slightly acidic waters other freshwater shrimp do.
The most common variation is the cardinal Sulawesi shrimp. They have vibrant red bodies with white spots. Their front legs and antenna are also white, resulting in a striking shrimp. Other Sulawesi shrimp variations are less common. The other variations have bodies that are blue, black, or brown.
- Common Names: Sulawesi shrimp, Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp, white-glove shrimp
- Scientific Name: Caridina dennerli
- Origin: Indonesia
- Size (Length): Up to 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Lifespan: Up to 2 years
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Difficult
Sulawesi Shrimp Care, In A Nutshell
Consult this Sulawesi shrimp care sheet for quick care tips:
| Aquarium Size | 10+ gallons (add 1 gallon per 1-3 additional shrimp) |
| Water Temperature | 78-88°F (25.6-31.1°C) |
| pH | 7.8-8.2 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 6-8 |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 4-8 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 50-150 |
| Safe Water Levels | Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrites: 0 ppm Nitrates: <20 ppm |
| Lighting | Prefers dim lighting — sensitive to bright light |
| Decorations | Pebbles RocksCrevices Aquatic vegetationBoiled driftwood |
| Tank Mates | Necessary — groups of 10+ shrimp ideal Other Sulawesi shrimpNeocaridina shrimp Sulawesi snails |
| Diet | AlgaeBiofilm Decaying plant matter |
Care
Sulawesi shrimp are beautiful, unique shrimp. They need equally unique living conditions to match. These shrimp are not suitable for beginning shrimp keepers. Only those with prior experience with shrimp should try to raise them.
Tank Size
Sulawesi shrimp are a dwarf species that doesn’t need much space. A 10-gallon tank is a good size for about ten to thirty shrimp.
Shrimp produce less bioload than fish; more can fit inside a smaller tank.
As a general rule, aquarists can keep about one to three of these shrimp per gallon of water.
We don’t recommend starting with anything smaller than a 10-gallon tank. For more shrimp, aquarists will need to get a larger tank.
The more space the shrimp have, the better. A larger tank gives them more room to spread out and scavenge for food.
Larger tanks are also easier to maintain. The water parameters are less prone to dangerous fluctuations.
Sulawesi shrimp are particularly sensitive to water parameter fluctuations. A large, stable tank is safer for them and easier for the aquarist.
Water Parameters
The water parameters that Sulawesi shrimp need are extreme. They are significantly different than what most other freshwater aquarium shrimp need. They must live in exceptionally warm waters. The temperatures could kill many other aquatic species.
They need a basic pH; most freshwater shrimp do better with a slightly acidic pH. Some breeders have had success keeping their pH as low as 7.0. Still, it’s not recommended.
A Sulawesi shrimp tank should have these water parameters:
- pH: 7.8-8.2
- GH: 6-8
- KH: 4-8
- TDS: 50-150
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: 0 ppm
Calcium Supplements
Having plenty of calcium is necessary for shrimp-keepers. Calcium keeps a shrimp’s exoskeleton healthy, which protects them from danger. Without enough calcium, they can have trouble molting. Shrimp that can’t shed properly may die.
It’s possible that Sulawesi shrimp don’t need calcium supplements.
It’s no secret that Sulawesi shrimp have adapted to the harsh conditions of the lakes. The Sulawesi lake system is deficient in many nutrients, including calcium.
Still, it’s better to be safe and add calcium to the tank. It can’t hurt and will help keep the shrimp’s exoskeleton healthy.
There are a few options for adding calcium to a tank.
Liquid calcium supplements are quick and easy but don’t last long. Aquarists must add them to their tanks regularly. Shrimp and snails don’t absorb liquid calcium very well, either.
It’s best to skip liquid calcium.
Cuttlebones are a better option.
Cuttlebones come from cuttlefish and are rich in calcium. These are an excellent option because they dissolve slowly in water and are cheap. A single cuttlebone generally only costs a few dollars. Hobbyists can break off a small piece of cuttlebone and place it in the tank. It will dissolve slowly over a few weeks, leeching calcium into the water.
Plus, cuttlebones will help maintain the right water parameters for Sulawesi shrimp. Cuttlebones comprise calcium carbonate, which increases the water’s hardness and pH. Cuttlebones will increase the pH to about 7.8.
Filters
Sulawesi shrimp prefer slow-moving waters. Still, the flow created by the filter is necessary to provide adequate oxygen. Get an adjustable filter and ensure the flow is weak so it does not bother the shrimp.
Sponge filters are the safest options for these dwarf shrimp. Fine sponge filters will not suck up tiny shrimp. Even juvenile shrimp are safe around them.
Avoid other filters with large intake valves, which suck up tiny shrimp. Aquarists can sometimes use them if they add sponges to the intake valves.
Temperature
Sulawesi shrimp need to live in very high temperatures.
Most freshwater aquarium shrimp do better in cooler water. They can survive in warmer waters. Yet, their metabolism speeds up and causes them to have shorter lives.
Sulawesi shrimp need temperatures higher than most freshwater shrimp can stand. To thrive, these shrimp must live in temperatures between 78-88°F (25.6-31.1°C).
An aquarium heater will be necessary to maintain these temperatures. Get an adjustable heater when possible to have better control of the temperature.
Keep a thermometer in the tank and check the temperature every day. It’s rare, but heaters can malfunction and harm the shrimp.
Lighting
Sulawesi shrimp seem to be more sensitive to light than other species. Most Caradina species do not seem to mind light; Sulawesi shrimp are the exception.
Try to keep the lights fairly dim. A darker tank also helps to bring out the shrimps’ colors.
Stick with aquatic plants that don’t need a lot of light to survive.
Substrate
The lakes of the Sulawesi region have coarse rocky bottoms. It’s best to replicate this environment.
Substrates safe for Sulawesi shrimp include:
- Crushed lava rock
- Aragonite sand
- River stones
Of the three options, aragonite sand is the best choice. It raises the pH to about 8.0-8.3 to suit the shrimp’s needs. It also adds beneficial minerals to the water, like magnesium and calcium.
It’s better to choose dark substrates to bring out the coloration of these shrimp. Their colors seem to become brighter while living in a dark environment.
Decorations
It’s best to pick porous items as they easily grow algae and biofilm for the shrimp to feed on. Porous rocks and artificial decorations make great hiding spots for shrimp.
Live aquatic vegetation are some of the best decorations to include in a tank. The plants add oxygen to the water and help keep the ammonia levels down. They grow algae and biofilm that the shrimp can feed on. Plus, if any part of the plant begins to die, it provides extra food for the shrimp.
Be sure to choose plants that do well in low light and high water temperatures. Most aquatic plants do better in cooler water. Finding suitable plants can be tricky.
Caution — Driftwood
Avoid natural driftwood since it lowers the pH of the water, making it acidic.
Sulawesi shrimp need alkaline pH levels. Aquarists will want to avoid items that lower their pH.
The tannins in natural driftwood are what cause the pH levels to drop. Hobbyists can boil their driftwood to remove the tannins. Many pet stores sell pre-boiled driftwood as well.
Boiling driftwood takes a long time. Still, it’s worth it as it is an excellent shrimp tank decoration. The wood easily grows algae and biofilm that the shrimp need to eat.
First, boil the driftwood until the water turns brown. Second, dump the water and refill the pot with fresh water. Continue this process until the water no longer turns brown. Once the water remains clear, all the tannins are gone from the wood.
Cleaning
Sulawesi shrimp do not like changes to their environment. They don’t need pristine water conditions.
Allow the filter to do most of the cleaning. Their tanks do not need water changes as often as other species.
A tank full of algae and biofilm mimics their natural environment.
Only perform water changes about once every two weeks. Only remove about 15-30% of the water at a time.
Keepers should only do large water changes in emergencies, especially with Sulawesi shrimp. Emergencies include when the ammonia or nitrites are too high.
Removing too much water at once can cause huge fluctuations in the water parameters. Sulawesi shrimp are very sensitive to water changes. The sudden change can cause severe stress and even death.
Avoid overfeeding the shrimp to prevent the tank from getting too dirty.
Most aquarists remove algae from their tank. Don’t remove algae from a Sulawesi shrimp tank, as algae comprise the main part of their diet.
Feeding
These shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that do a good job keeping their home clean. They primarily eat biofilm, detritus, and algae that build up around the tank.
They are ferocious eaters that feed constantly. They always pick at surfaces around the tank. Sulawesi shrimp enjoy scavenging on the rocks around their tank and even on the shells of snails.
Since they are such diligent scavengers, they need very little supplemental food. The more established a tank is, the less caretakers need to feed their shrimp.
Those with new tanks should provide shrimp pellets or algae wafers a few times a week. Remove any leftover food after two hours to avoid it dirtying the tank.
Decaying food causes ammonia to spike. Too much ammonia in the tank is a major cause of illness and death among Sulawesi shrimp.
Tank Mates
Sulawesi shrimp are a very peaceful species. Still, hobbyists can’t keep them in typical community tanks like they would other shrimp.
The water temperatures they need are too high for most fish and shrimp. The pH they need is too alkaline. Most freshwater shrimp and tropical fish prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Unfortunately, the only fish that could withstand these conditions are cichlids. Cichlids are far too large and aggressive to go in a tank with Sulawesi shrimp.
A species-only tank is often the best option. It’s easier for the aquarist to maintain the right conditions and is less stressful for the shrimp.
Sulawesi shrimp are a social species that does best in large groups. It’s best to keep groups of at least ten individuals; more when possible. The more shrimp living in the tank, the safer the shrimp will feel. The safer they feel, the more active they become, and the more entertaining they are to watch.
Neocaridina shrimp can also live within the same parameters that Sulawesi shrimp need. They can be a good addition to add extra color to the tank. Neocaridina and Sulawesi shrimp will not interbreed.
Sulawesi snails are a good option for the tank since they come from the same region.
Breeding
It can be difficult to maintain the unique water parameters Sulawesi shrimp need. Still, they are relatively easy to breed when living in optimal conditions. Aquarists rarely need to encourage breeding as the shrimp will do it independently.
Sulawesi shrimp breed more slowly than other Caridina shrimp. They do not produce eggs as often and lay fewer eggs. Breeders must be patient when working with this species.
Common Health Problems
Researchers aren’t aware of any problems that affect Sulawesi shrimp specifically. Still, they are sensitive animals susceptible to issues common in freshwater shrimp.
The most common issues among freshwater shrimp include:
- Bacterial/fungal/parasitic infections
- Molting trouble
Shrimp that get sick need immediate treatment. Infections spread throughout tanks quickly and can be fatal within hours or days.
* Be cautious when picking treatments for shrimp. They are sensitive to many medications. Avoid medications with copper, malachite green, and CO2. These substances are fatal to shrimp.
Always choose medications that say they are “shrimp” or “invertebrate safe.” It’s best to get recommendations from a veterinarian before choosing a medication. *
Bacterial, Fungal, & Parasitic Infections
Infections of all kinds most often stem from stress. Stress usually occurs because the water parameters are off or the tank is dirty. Water parameters that fluctuate frequently cause stress as well.
Bacteria, fungi, and parasites are ever present in the tank. Generally, they don’t bother healthy shrimp. A shrimp’s immune system lowers when they experience stress. They become more susceptible to infection.
The best way to prevent infections is by keeping the tank clean and the water parameters stable.
Molting Issues
Shrimp must molt to get rid of their old shells and grow new ones. Shrimp don’t grow with their shells like snails do. They must receive the proper amount of calcium to keep their shells healthy. Without enough calcium, shrimp have trouble shedding their old shells.
Shrimp may have issues with their shells when their tank is dirty. Unstable water parameters cause the same issue.
Sometimes, the shell may break at odd angles. While the shrimp usually find their way out, it can be a stressful and dangerous situation.
The most dangerous situation is the “white ring of death.” The shrimp’s shell splits right in half, and it cannot crawl out. Becoming trapped inside the shell, the shrimp eventually dies.
FAQs
How Much Do Sulawesi Shrimp Cost?
Sulawesi shrimp typically cost between $10 and $400. Individuals often cost between $10 and $25 apiece.
Hobbyists typically only spend over $100 if they are buying multiple shrimp. They are usually sold in groups of five, ten, or twenty.
Breeders often give discounts for keepers buying groups of shrimp. The more shrimp a hobbyist buys at once, the less they spend in the long run.
Sulawesi shrimp are somewhat new to the aquarium industry. They are also critically endangered in the wild. Their rareness makes them particularly expensive compared to other freshwater shrimp species.
Do Sulawesi Shrimp Interbreed?
Sulawesi shrimp do not interbreed with Neocaridina or other varieties of Sulawesi shrimp. Hobbyists could keep cardinal and blue ghost Sulawesi shrimp in the same tank. They would not interbreed.
